India host12-nation naval wargame from February 4

[RPK]

The Hindu : News / National : 12-nation naval wargame from February 4

India will host the largest four-day naval wargame, Milan-2010, involving 12 nations in the Asia Pacific region from Thursday, in which means to counter terror threats to coastal and island territories would be debated keeping in mind the attacks in Mumbai.

“There would be a discussion (during Milan-2010) on maritime terror and the means to counter the attacks like what happened in Mumbai,” Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Foreign Cooperation and Intelligence), Rear Admiral Sudharshan Shrikhande told reporters here on Monday.

The seventh edition of the biennial Milan, being organised by the Indian Navy at Port Blair since 1995, would have nine naval ships from eight countries and representatives from four others participating in a tabletop exercises, apart from a passage exercise at sea and a seminar on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) from February 4 to February 8.

“The amount of patrolling required for preventing the 26/11 type of attacks in other countries too is the same as in India. So, these issues will be discussed,” Rear Adm. Shrikhande said to a query in this regard.

Among other issues to be discussed would be illegal entry of foreign ships into the waters of the respective countries, just as India had experienced when a North Korean vessel anchored off Andaman and Nicobar Islands last year and had to be apprehended.

Naval ships from Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore (two ships), Sri Lanka and Thailand, with representatives from Navies of Brunei, Philippines, Vietnam and New Zealand would join the exercise.

A seminar on ‘Navies in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief’ would be addressed by Indian Naval Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma and inaugurated by Andaman and Nicobar Lieutenant Governor Lt Gen Bhopinder Singh.

India will be represented by four or five ships including its largest Landing Ship Tank and a Fast Attack Craft in the exercise.

Australia would bring its warship HMAS Glenenelg patrol boat for the wargame.

However, there would be no fire power demonstration during the wargame, he said.

“Milan, which started as a small effort with participation from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia, has today grow into a 13 navies grouping in the Asia Pacific. Only Cambodia will not be attending this time.

Indian Coast Guard too will send its ships and officers for the exercise,” he added.

“The message from the grouping is one of need for maritime cooperation for navies to share knowledge and expertise on their own operational circumstances and to know each other’s operating procedures so that there can be coordinated efforts in times of need,” Rear Adm. Shrikhande said.

He said already Indian Navy was coordinating with Indonesia and Thailand for a structured joint patrol along each other’s maritime borders for about two or three times a year.

 

[Kinshuk]

How good or bad is our relations with Malaysia and Indonesia?

 

[RPK]

‘Malabar’ to be an Indo-U.S. bilateral affair

The Hindu : News / National : ‘Malabar’ to be an Indo-U.S. bilateral affair


India has lined up interactions with friendly navies in the coming days both on the waters and at the staff level. The next round of Indo-U.S. joint naval exercise ‘Malabar’ to be held in the Arabian Sea in April-May will be a bilateral affair, a senior naval officer said here on Monday.

The U.S. is likely to bring one of its nuclear submarines, as it usually does for war games with the Indian Navy, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Sudharshan Shrikhande said.

Later this week, an Indian Navy initiative will see a gathering of 13 navies during which the participants will discuss combating maritime terror and preventing Mumbai-type attacks.

 

[RPK]

Multi-nation Navy exercise at Andaman - India - The Times of India


NEW DELHI: Even as Navy gears up for the `Milan' multi-nation exercise and conclave at the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands this week, the

groundwork is also being laid for the next edition of the Indo-US `Malabar' naval war games in April-May.

The Malabar exercise on the west coast this year will be purely a bilateral one between the Indian and American navies, unlike the 13th Malabar exercise held in the Bay of Bengal in September 2007 that were expanded to include Australian, Japanese and Singaporean navies as well.

The 2007 Malabar had led to large-scale protests by the Left parties, with the CPM and CPI contending that US was using India to build up a security cooperation axis to `contain' China.

Beijing, too, had lodged strong protests against this so-called `axis of democracy' emerging in the Asia-Pacific region. Since then, India has restricted the Malabar exercise to a bilateral one, even though both the Indian and American navies would like it to be a multi-lateral engagement.

As for the four-day Milan beginning on Thursday, there will be naval warships and delegations from 12 countries of the Asia-Pacific region taking part in it. Apart from humanitarian and search and rescue operations, the discussions will also focus on maritime terrorism, piracy, poaching and the like.

The seventh edition of Milan will have participation from Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Brunei, Philippines, Myanmar, Thailand, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia.

"Milan basically is a biennial conglomeration of Asia-Pacific maritime navies, hosted by the Indian Navy, to foster bonds of `friendship across the seas' and share views on common maritime issues. From four navies in 1995, it has grown to include over a dozen navies now,'' said an officer.

An important priority in the Asia-Pacific region is the protection of sea lanes around Malacca Strait since around 60,000 ships sail through it every year, transporting around 30% of the world trade in goods.

There is growing concern that terrorists might target Malacca Strait to disrupt this main ship passageway between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

For India, the stakes are clearly high, with the strategic A&N Islands dominating the approaches to Malacca Strait. "India's central location in Indian Ocean, astride these major commercial routes and energy lifelines, makes us a major stakeholder in the region's security and stability,'' said the officer.

 

[DavyJones]

Singapore is our best friend in the region. IN ships ofter dock in Singapore. US is Singapore's main ally and we are currently enjoying close relations with US.
Indian ships have been helping US to patrol the Straits of Mallaca. The main aim of these exercises is to increase inter-operability in case of natural disasters (Indian Ocean tsunami or cyclones/earthquakes) and anti-piracy (in Straits of Mallaca ) and anti-terrorism.

 

[Lankan Ranger]

Sri Lanka Navy will participate as an Observer, A Team from Sri Lanka Navy will arrive in India, and there will be no ships from Sri Lanka.

We can say low profile participation from Sri Lanka.

 

[sancho]

How good or bad is our relations with Malaysia and Indonesia?

Not sure how updated this is, but maybe it helps you:

Foreign relations of India - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Kinshuk]

Not sure how updated this is, but maybe it helps you:

Foreign relations of India - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thanks, it worked for me.

 

[RPK]

Grouping of 12 navies no security bloc: Indian Navy chief

The Assam Tribune Online


PORT BLAIR, Feb 5 (IANS): Thirteen navies, from India to Australia, gathered here today to participate in the largest regional exercise that underlines India's growing reputation as a blue-water maritime power even as Indian Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma insisted that the grouping was not a "security bloc" aimed at any one, particularly China.
"Some nations might have maritime boundary claims with various countries. It is more of a coming together not as security bloc but a forum where we can bring security forces together and fight natural and man-made disasters," Verma told reporters here.

The navies of Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are taking part in the exercise.

The exercise began with an international seminar on Navies in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

According to Verma, the Indian Navy's initiative to bring together different countries does not mean India wants to create hegemony in the region.

"We talk about coming together. India becoming a headmaster is not what we want. There are similar threats which affect every nation. Navies have been able to get rid of the scourge of piracy in the region to a great extent," Verma added.

However, the Navy Chief, without naming China, reiterated that the Navy was monitoring the increased activities of countries in the Indian Ocean region.

"We take into account what is happening in our region. We are certainly building conventional capability to counter it. But multilateral exercises like this are more of coming together in terms of disaster relief," Verma added.

Since its inception in 1995 with four countries participating in it, this 7th edition of the biennial Milan exercise is the largest of the series. The scope has expanded from regional navies to a gathering of Asia-Pacific countries.

"The participation shows the tremendous credibility and standing the exercise has come to command in the region," Verma said in his opening address at the seminar. "The armed forces will be the first one to be deployed to the scene of disaster.

"No country will be able to deal with humanitarian crisis single handedly, especially in initial stages."

Of the 12, ships from nine countries are participating while the remaining are represented by their delegations.

 

[RPK]

The Hindu : News / National : Strategic reach of air power showcased

In a show of strength and reach of the country’s only joint services command, two Indian Air Force frontline Sukhoi MKI fighters roared across the skies at an impressive City Parade here on Sunday.

Witnessed by hundreds of people against the picturesque backdrop of the sea, the two air dominance fighters scorched the skies, flying some 1,400 km from the Kalaikunda airbase in the East.

After refuelling mid-air, the Sukhois made an appearance for the first time here at the parade held to coincide with the Indian Navy’s multi-country “Milan” exercise. The aim was to demonstrate the reach of the joint services which operate in these islands of strategic importance to the country.

“Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a vantage position across vital areas in the 800 km north-south (linear) axis… and is sitting at the entry/exit point of the western approach to the Straits of Malacca,” Commander-in-Chief of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, Vice-Admiral D.K. Joshi said.

The command, with constant patrols by the tri-services and the Coast Guard, keeps a steady vigil and stops terrorists from setting up bases over the 572 islands with a 2,000-km coastline, of which only 36 are inhabited.
Challenges

The challenges in the region are centred around poaching and the Indian Navy held a table-top exercise with navies of other countries to undertake joint planning towards building mutual confidence and improving inter-operability in dealing with problems such as piracy, gun and drug running and illegal migration.
Upgrading airstrips

Efforts were on to expand the length of runways and upgrade the airstrips to facilitate night-landing, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Verma said here earlier.

Currently there are four airstrips that can operate Sukhois in the region. Sunday’s demonstration showed the reach of the IAF since the fighter aircraft equipped with Beyond Visual Range missiles and other lethal weapons, reached these skies.

In addition, the Landing Ship Tanker (Large) INS Kesri has been positioned here for amphibious operations since the command is being developed as a niche centre for such warfare.

At the parade, the Navy mounted an operation by its famed Marine Commandos, who slithered down a hovering helicopter at sea to carry out a simulated attack on a dummy oilrig platform.

Another team demonstrated water para jumps.
Precision drill

Besides the enthralling precision drill by Air Warriors, the viewers witnessed breathtaking performance by sky divers and a marchpast by contingents from Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Thailand. At sunset, the people were treated to fireworks as five ships at anchorage were illuminated.

 

[RPK]

 

[garibnawaz]

Sri Lanka Navy will participate as an Observer, A Team from Sri Lanka Navy will arrive in India, and there will be no ships from Sri Lanka.

We can say low profile participation from Sri Lanka.

No. Sri Lanka is an active participants with their ships participating in this excersice.

Unless you have sources/links/proof to back your claims.

Sri Lankan Navy takes part in Maritime war exercise 'Milan 2010' - Andaman

The Sri Lankan Navy and navies from 11 other countries in the Asia-Pacific region are taking part in Exercise Milan 2010, the Indian Navy's largest four-day naval war game, which began on Friday(Jan 05) at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

This is the seventh edition of Milan, a biennial gathering of navies of the Indian Ocean region. India hosts the event for building friendship and mutual understanding between participating navies.

This year's multinational exercise concludes on Monday (February 8).

Navy's off-shore patrol vessel SLNS Samudura(ex-'Courageous'), Commanded by Capt. SMDK Samaraweera is representing Sri Lankan at the maritime review with pride after battling-out the world's most ruthless terrorist outfit and its fleet of suicide attack craft. SLNS Samudura is also one of the most potential vessels belonging to the Sri Lankan navy's off-shore patrol 'fleet' that had engaged LTTE's floating arms-ships with stealth and precision, in a daring mission 1200nm off the island. According to defence observers the Sri Lankan navy's ability to outreach its foes in distance waters amidst all odds speaks loud on its leadership and men.

The Indian navy is the world's sixth largest navy with 155 vessels and 56,000 personnel on active duty.

The Indian Navy has been organising Milan at Port Blair since 1995. Participating in this year's exercise are nine naval ships from eight countries, and representatives from four others in table-top exercises.

Naval ships of Singapore (two ships), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar, with representatives from navies of Brunei, Philippines, Vietnam and New Zealand are taking part in Milan this year.

Representing India are five ships, including the Navy's largest Landing Ship Tank and a Fast Attack Craft. The Indian Coast Guard is also participating with its ships and officers.

The focus of Milan 2010 is a passage exercise at sea, and a seminar on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. In addition, it will promote understanding and cooperation in the areas of common interest and safeguard the sea lanes of communication from poaching, piracy and terrorist activities, promote inter-operability to the extent possible and engage in joint search and rescue and humanitarian operations.

The Indian Navy's initiative provides opportunities to promote understanding and camaraderie amongst the navies of the Asia-Pacific region, and encourages ship visits, social interactions and cultural presentations by the participating countries.

So far, six Milans' have been held: in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2006 and 2008. The event was not conducted in 2001 and 2005. In 2001, the Indian Navy was hosting a significant international event: the International Fleet Review. And in 2005, the region was recovering from the aftereffects of the Tsunami of December 2004.

From the official website of Lankan Navy Media Centre for National Security – Sri Lanka

GB

 

[garibnawaz]

Official website of this event

http://www.milan2010portblair.org/

GB

 

[Lankan Ranger]

No. Sri Lanka is an active participants with their ships participating in this excersice.

Unless you have sources/links/proof to back your claims.

Sri Lankan Navy takes part in Maritime war exercise 'Milan 2010' - Andaman

The Sri Lankan Navy and navies from 11 other countries in the Asia-Pacific region are taking part in Exercise Milan 2010, the Indian Navy's largest four-day naval war game, which began on Friday(Jan 05) at Port Blair in the Andaman and Nicobar islands.

This is the seventh edition of Milan, a biennial gathering of navies of the Indian Ocean region. India hosts the event for building friendship and mutual understanding between participating navies.

This year's multinational exercise concludes on Monday (February 8).

Navy's off-shore patrol vessel SLNS Samudura(ex-'Courageous'), Commanded by Capt. SMDK Samaraweera is representing Sri Lankan at the maritime review with pride after battling-out the world's most ruthless terrorist outfit and its fleet of suicide attack craft. SLNS Samudura is also one of the most potential vessels belonging to the Sri Lankan navy's off-shore patrol 'fleet' that had engaged LTTE's floating arms-ships with stealth and precision, in a daring mission 1200nm off the island. According to defence observers the Sri Lankan navy's ability to outreach its foes in distance waters amidst all odds speaks loud on its leadership and men.

The Indian navy is the world's sixth largest navy with 155 vessels and 56,000 personnel on active duty.

The Indian Navy has been organising Milan at Port Blair since 1995. Participating in this year's exercise are nine naval ships from eight countries, and representatives from four others in table-top exercises.

Naval ships of Singapore (two ships), Sri Lanka, Thailand, Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia and Myanmar, with representatives from navies of Brunei, Philippines, Vietnam and New Zealand are taking part in Milan this year.

Representing India are five ships, including the Navy's largest Landing Ship Tank and a Fast Attack Craft. The Indian Coast Guard is also participating with its ships and officers.

The focus of Milan 2010 is a passage exercise at sea, and a seminar on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. In addition, it will promote understanding and cooperation in the areas of common interest and safeguard the sea lanes of communication from poaching, piracy and terrorist activities, promote inter-operability to the extent possible and engage in joint search and rescue and humanitarian operations.

The Indian Navy's initiative provides opportunities to promote understanding and camaraderie amongst the navies of the Asia-Pacific region, and encourages ship visits, social interactions and cultural presentations by the participating countries.

So far, six Milans' have been held: in 1995, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2006 and 2008. The event was not conducted in 2001 and 2005. In 2001, the Indian Navy was hosting a significant international event: the International Fleet Review. And in 2005, the region was recovering from the aftereffects of the Tsunami of December 2004.

From the official website of Lankan Navy Media Centre for National Security – Sri Lanka

GB

Sri Lanka Ministry of Defense approved the Navel Exercise in the last moment.

Currently Sri Lanka Navy busy with providing Logistic Support to Navies of China, Japan & South Korea to defeat the Pirates.

 

[garibnawaz]

Sri Lanka Ministry of Defense approved the Navel Exercise in the last moment.

Nope.

You are trying for a cover up now.

Sri Lankan navy has always participated in MILAN exersices right from its first year (1995) to till date and this time was no different.

Currently Sri Lanka Navy busy with providing Logistic Support to Navies of China, Japan & South Korea to defeat the Pirates.

Yeah?

Then who is defending the Lankan waters?

Providing logistical support to other navies does not stop the lankan navy to participate (with 1 boat) in MILAN-2010.

GB